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From Senate Republican Policy Development & Research Office June 16, 2009 PA’s Solar Rebate Program Ready for Business Homeowners and small business owners will find Pennsylvania’s Solar Rebate Program is ready to begin receiving applications for rebates of up to 35 percent of the cost of buying and installing solar-energy systems. According to the PA Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), the program will provide $100 million in rebates to help fund solar electric (solar photovoltaic, or PV) and solar hot water (solar thermal) projects for homeowners and small businesses in Pennsylvania. Consumers do not submit the application themselves. Consumers must choose an installer from the approved installer list. Installers will complete and submit the application on-line. Guidelines, instructions, and applications for Pennsylvania’s Sunshine Residential/Small Business Solar PV Program are available through PA’s Energy Independence Office. See “Frequently Asked Questions” for further explanation of the State’s Solar Program. Visit DEP’s Office of Energy & Technology Deployment, Solar Energy: Harnessing the Power of the Sun for a discussion of the costs and benefits of solar power. Skin Cancer Awareness – Assessing Your Risk One million people are diagnosed every year with skin cancer. Health officials and public service campaigns are encouraging awareness of the risks for skin cancer and the frequency with which it devastates individuals and their lives. While the two most frequent forms -- basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas – are highly curable, melanoma is the third most common type of skin cancer and one of the most common cancers among young adults, as well as the more dangerous. The Pennsylvania Department of Health is distributing a brochure, “Skin Cancer: Know the Facts . . .”. This brochure promotes recognition of the ABCDs of melanoma detection:
The brochure also outlines certain factors that put an individual at risk of skin cancer. The Pennsylvania Department of Health further addresses the incidence of skin cancer and mortality in a 2005 report. In addition, the U. S. Environmental Protection Agency provides information on the ultraviolet radiation index in your area on a daily basis. Sign up for your EnviroFlash UV Alert at the bottom of the EPA “SunWise Program” webpage. Registration Now Open for Invasive Plants Conference Environmental educators, garden and outdoor writers, extension agents, nursery/landscape professionals, public and private parks managers, volunteers, and others engaged in landscaping are invited to attend the 2009 Invasive Plants Conference on August 11-12, 2009 at the Johnstown Campus of the University of Pittsburgh, marking the first year the conference, now in its 7th year, has been held in western Pennsylvania. The theme for the conference, “Complicating Factors in Invasive Plant Management: Circumstances Beyond Our Control?”, kicks off on Tuesday, August 11 with a look at the complexities of invasive plants and the effect of deer on invasive species. After lunch, the agenda addresses “How Medicinal and Culinary Herbs Become Invasive” among the 5 afternoon seminars. The agenda will follow 3 concurrent tracks on Wednesday, August 12, 2009:
Registration will remain open until August 4 or until available space is filled. See the registration form for complete details. Motorists Beware -- Deer are on the Move Pennsylvania motorists are being urged by the Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC) this spring to stay alert, watch for deer crossing signs, and slow down during early morning and evening hours to avoid a collision with hungry white-tailed deer anxious to graze. Often appearing one-by-one from the brush and moving in single file, white-tailed deer may continue on their journey across busy highways and interstates, stop in the middle of the road, or turn around and leap back in the direction of origin. While a driver is not required to report a collision with a deer, a dead deer may be claimed only by a state resident. A call must be placed to the PA Game Commission within 24 hours of taking possession of the deer for the issuance of a permit number. Consult a recent PGC advisory that urges motorists not to rely on deer fences and bumper whistles to clear the roadways. Ultra-sonic frequencies are considered ineffective as deer cannot hear them. Bicycling — Rules of the Road Whether you are biking to save gas, expand your exercise program, or just take in some fresh air and sunshine, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) is eager to help you brush up on the rules of road. As warm temperatures entice more bikers to take to the highways and byways, motorists are also being reminded to watch for bicyclists and demonstrate courtesy by sharing the road. In addition to understanding the rules of the road, PennDOT recommends preparing your bike for summertime riding by carrying out a few simple tasks:
The Department is also issuing a reminder -- PA law mandates that children under 12 years of age must wear an approved safety helmet. Children will find an assortment of games and quizzes to enhance their knowledge of safe biking practices. Visit PennDOT’s Bicycle Safety page for more information on Bike safety. PennDOT statistics reveal 1,423 bicycle-related crashes occurred in Pennsylvania last year, representing a slight decrease from 2007. Bicycle fatalities fell by more than 50 percent from 20 in 2007 to nine in 2008. Enjoy Fishing on Pennsylvania’s Many Waterways The PA Fish & Boat Commission is encouraging Pennsylvanians and visitors to the state interested in fishing to take advantage of its “Fishing Fundamentals” webpage. Pick up on the basics; choose from a list of fishing opportunities along a lazy stream or a lively lake-side setting; or click on the tab for the Calendar of Fishing & Boating Events for your next fun fishing adventure. The PF&BC addresses all your fishing-related questions on its webpage “Frequently Asked Questions”. Continue the fun by celebrating Heritage Day at the PA Fly Fishing Museum on June 20, 2009. Take advantage of presentations and demonstrations by regional and nationally known experts on various fly fishing subjects. If your family has a collection fly fishing memorabilia, be sure to bring it along to have it appraised by one of the antique tackle dealers that will be on-hand for the celebration. For those who wish to obtain a fishing license, a resident permit is $22.70 and a senior resident (age 65 and over) is eligible for a fee of $11.70 or $51.70 for a lifetime permit. See the PF&BC’s webpage for further licensing information.
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